Three far-right extremists in the UK have been convicted of terrorism and firearms offences after plotting violent attacks on mosques, synagogues, and Islamic institutions. The convicted men – Brogan Stewart (25) from West Yorkshire, Marco Pitzuttu (25) from Derby, and Christopher Ringrose (34) from Cannock – were part of a virtual extremist cell that called itself “Einsatz 14”, a direct reference to Nazi death squads.

The group, operating online under the name “The Resistance,” planned to ignite a “race war” and praised Adolf Hitler and SS tactics. They also shared extreme anti-immigrant rhetoric and glorified far-right mass murderers, including the Christchurch mosque shooter. One member even shared a disturbing image of his toddler wearing a skull mask with the caption “choose violence.”

An Arsenal and a Plan for Mass Murder

An undercover officer known as “Blackheart” infiltrated the group, enabling authorities to thwart their plot before any attacks were carried out. Police raids uncovered:

• Over 200 weapons, including hunting knives, machetes, tomahawks, swords, and crossbows

• An illegal stun gun

• Several deactivated firearms being restored for use

• A nearly complete 3D-printed semi-automatic firearm

The men used Telegram to plan attacks and discuss abducting and torturing an imam. One specific target was an Islamic centre in Leeds, with members detailing the route, attack method, and escape strategy. In a group call, Stewart said they would “cruise around looking for human targets” and return home for “tea and medals.”

Stewart, the self-declared “Führer” of the group, never held a job and lived with his mother. He enforced Nazi-style uniforms and dismissed other extremist groups as ineffective. He wrote, “I want to get my own group together because action speaks louder than words,” and expressed desires to attack LGBTQ individuals and “storm government buildings and hang politicians.”

Legal Response and Sentencing

All three men were convicted by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court and are scheduled to be sentenced on 17 July 2025. They face lengthy prison sentences for terrorism-related crimes.

Prosecutors and counter-terrorism officials emphasized that the trio had crossed the line from online hate speech into practical steps for mass violence. Bethan David of the Crown Prosecution Service said, “Had Ringrose completed his 3D-printed gun, it could have led to devastating consequences.”

DCI James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, stated:

“They espoused vile racist views and advocated for violence. All three took real-world steps to plan an attack on innocent citizens. This case demonstrates the continuing threat posed by far-right extremism in Britain.”

Unequal Treatment in Counter-Terrorism?

The conviction of this white supremacist cell comes at a time when critics have raised concerns over inconsistencies in the application of terrorism laws, particularly against Muslim communities and artists of colour. The recent terror charge against Irish rapper Mo Chara from the group Kneecap for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert has sparked debate about political policing and freedom of expression.

Many observers argue that the state’s failure to give equal attention and outrage to white supremacist terror plots reveals a racialized double standard in how terrorism is defined and prosecuted.